Spraying apparatus



March 30, 1965 P. HAMMl-:LMANN SPRAYING APPARATUS 5 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Jan. 29, 1963 SMN w NTL w .UE

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SPRAYING APPARATUS Filed Jan. 29, 1963 5 Sheets-Sheet 4 Pa" FIG. l? l g5 M T d5 irl@ n da M il March 30, 1965 P. HAMMELMANN SPRAYING APPARATUS 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed Jan. 29, 1963 ited States se Claims. (cl. 239-112) The present invention relates to spraying apparatus, and more particularly to an apparatus which is especially suited for directing one or more jets of pressure fluid against and for thereby cleaning filters and/or sieves in paper making or cardboard making machines. In such machines, the filters and sieves must be cleaned by strong jets of water or .another cleaning fluid. The spraying apparatus of my invention is also suited for cleaning of weit filters for ores, coal, stones or gravel, in filtering arrangements for separation of coal from viscous fluids, in factories for the manfuacture of bondstones, in fertilizer plants, for cooling of rollers in rolling mills, and for many other purposes.

An important object of the invention is to provide a spraying apparatus which is of very simple construction, which requires little attention when it is put to actual use, wherein each jet or spray of discharged duid is reciprocated in a fully automatic way in response to admission of such fluid into the apparatus, which occupies little space, which can be readily installed on or in existing filtering, sifting and similar machines, and which insures uniform distribution of fluid over large or small areas as the need may be.

Another object of the invention is to provide a spraying apparatus of the just outlined characteristics which is constructed and assembled in such a way that the compressed fluid which is to form one or more sprays or jets furnishes the force necessary to reciprocate the sprays when the apparatus is put to actual use.

A further object of the invention is to provide a spraying apparatus of the above outlined characteristics which is especially suited for .distributing one or more rows of liquid jets and wherein each liquid discharging nozzle is automatically cleaned when the apparatus is in use.

An additional object of the invention is to provide an improved cylinder and piston arrangement and a novel system of regulating valves for use in a spraying apparatus of the above outlined characteristics.

A concomitant object of my invention is to provide a spraying apparatus wherein the extent to which the liquid discharging nozzles may reciprocate can be changed not only when the apparatus is at a standstill but also when the apparatus is in actual use.

Still another object of the instant invention is to provide an improved support for the nozzle-carrying part or parts of the spraying apparatus.

With the above objects in view, the invention resides in the provision of a spraying apparatus which comprises a pair of coaxial cylinders including a fixed supporting cylinder and a movable second cylinder which latter defines a uid receiving chamber and is formed with at least one fluid discharging orifice. One of the cylinders is telescoped into the other cylinder, each cylinder is provided with a substantially radial wall, and the two cylinders together define a compartment of Variable volume which extends between such walls and which may communicate with the fluid receiving chamber. The apparatus further comprises a normally open regulating or reversing valve provided in one of the aforementioned walls to permit escape of fluid from the compartment, and this valve comprises actuating means adapted to be engaged by the other Wall to close the valve when the walls are at a predetermined minimal distance from each arent other. The wall of that cylinder which is telescoped into the other cylinder constitutes a differential piston which compels the movable cylinder to advance with its wall away from the wall of the fixed cylinder in response to admission of pressure fluid into the compartment when the regulating valve is closed. When the valve is open, fluid admitted into the chamber and acting upon the differential piston compels the movable cylinder to advance its wall toward the wall of the fixed cylinder and to expel fiuid from the compartment.

The novel features which are considered. as characteristie of the invention are set forth in particular in the appended claims. The spraying apparatus itself, however, both as to its construction and its method of operation, together with additional features and .advantages thereof, will be best understood from the following detailed description of certain specific embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. l is an axial section through substantially one half of a spraying apparatus which embodies one form of the invention;

FIG. 2 is an axial section through the remainder of the spraying apparatus;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged transverse section as seen in the direction of arrows from the line III- III of FIG. l;

FIG. 4 is an `axial section through substantially one half of a modified spraying apparatus;

FIG. 5 is a partly elevational and partly axial sectional view of the remainder of the modified spraying apparatus;

FIG. 6 is an axial section through substantially one half of a further spraying apparatus;

FIG. 7 is a partly elevational and partly axial sectional view of the remainder of the spraying apparatus which is shown in FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is an enlarged transverse vertical section as seen in the direction of arrows from the line VIII- VIII of FIG. 6, showing a three-way regulating valve which is utilized in the spraying `apparatus of FIGS. 6 and 7;

FlG. 9 is an enlarged axial section through the valve of the spraying apparatus which is shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the valve being shown in open position and the section being taken along 4the line lX-IX of FIG. 8;

FIG. l0 is an enlarged transverse vertical section as seen in the direction of arrows from the line Xn-X of FIG. 7;

FIG. ll is a transverse vertical section through a slightly different spraying apparatus wherein the fluid must pass through a filter prior to reaching a modified regulating valve;

FIG. l2 is a fragmentary axial section as seen in the direction of arrows from the line Xll-XII of FIG. l0;

FIG. 13 is a schematic axial section through a different spraying apparatus wherein the valve is mounted in the radial Wall of a fixed cylinder; and

FG. 14 is a similar schematic axial section through a further spraying apparatus which constitutes a modification of the apparatus shown in FIG. 13.

Referring now in greater detail to the drawings, and first to FIGS. l to 3, there is shown a spraying apparatus comprising a movable hydraulic cylinder 1 and a fixed support here shown as a cylinder 2 which is telescoped into the movable cylinder and whose end portions are mounted in spaced frame members 3 of a machine in which the spraying apparatus is put to use. The fixed cylinder 2 is formed with a pair of fluid admitting nipples 5, 6 provided at its ends and connectable with non-illustrated conduits which convey a pressure fluid, such as water, into the internal space 2a of the fixed cylinder. This fixed cylinder further comprises an external radial wall 9 of annular shape which constitutes a differential piston and whose peripheral surface is in sealing engageas ment with the internal surface of the movable cylinder 1, the latter defining an annular internal chamber 21 which receives pressure fluid through spaced apertures 7 formed in the mantle of the fixed cylinder 2 at the right-hand side of the piston 9, as viewed in FIGS. l and 2. The movable cylinder 1 comprises an inwardly extending first radial wall or closure which preferably assumes the form of an internally threaded annular or collar 11 screwed onto the left-hand end of the mantle of the cylinder 1, as viewed in FIG. 1, and which is located at the lefthand side of the piston 9. The wall 11 is formed with an axially parallel through bore for the reciprocable valve member of a normally open regulating valve 8, and this through bore communicates with -a radially outwardly extending discharge port 2t) through which fluid may be permitted to escape from a variable-volume compartment 19 extending between the wall 11 and piston 9 and communicating with the internal space 2a (and hence with the chamber 21) through one or more connecting passages A10. provided in the mantle of the fixed cylinder 2, preferably at a point in immediate proximity of the piston 9.

The valve 8 comprises actuating means here shown as the end portions 22, 22a of its valve member which serve to alternately open and close this valve in response to introduction 'of pressure fluid through the nipples 5, 6. The valve member of the valve 8 is reciprocable in the axial direction of the cylinders 1, 2 and its end portion 22 may move into abutment with the left-hand end face of the piston 9 when the cylinder 1 is shifted in a direction to the right, as viewed in FIG. 1, whereby the valve is closed. On the other hand, when the cylinder 1 is shifted in a direction to the left, the end portion 22a strikes against an adjustable stop or trip 12 which is mounted on the fixed cylinder 2, whereby the valve S opens and permits escape of fiuid from the compartment'19. The stop 12 assumes the form of an annular flange which may be fixed in a desired position of adjustment by a radial screw 12a to thereby determine the stroke of the movable cylinder 1.

The rightehand end of the cylinder 1 is provided with internal and external threads to mate with a second annular closure 13 which constitute the second radial wall of this cylinder and with an annular cap 14. The parts V13, 14` define between themselves a space for a detorming ring 14m and for two annular packings 15, 16 which provide a fluidtight seal between the chamber 21 and the atmosphere while permitting the closure 13 to slide along the mantle of the cylinder 2.

In order to insure that the movable cylinder 1 cannot change its angular position with respect to the fixed cylinder 2, the spraying apparatus comprises means for holding the cylinder 1 against rotation. This holding means includes an axially parallel external rib 17 provided on the mantle of the fixed cylinder 2 and a slotted stud 13 which is fixed to the mantle of the cylinder 1 and whose .slot receives a portion of the rib 17. The mantle of the movable cylinder 1 is formed with a row of fluid discharging orifices located to the right of the piston 9, as viewed in FIGS. l and 2, and each such orifice receives a nozzle 4 which directs a jet of pressure tiuid against a filter, sieve or a similar device which requires intermittent or constant cleaning. As shown in FIG. 3, each nozzle 4 4comprises a threaded neck portion 4a which is screwed into the mantle of the movable cylinder. FIG. 2 shows that the row of apertures 7 is in registry with the row of nozzles 4 so 'that the jets of fluid discharged through the apertures 7 automatically clean the nozzles when the movable cylinder 1 is caused to reciprocate with respect to the fixed cylinder 1. It is also to be noted that the -piston 9 has a firstV end face of smaller effective area in AthechamberZl and a second end face of larger effective area in the compartment 19, i.e., if the pressure of uid in the chamber`21 and in the compartment 19 is the same, fluid acting upon the piston 9 will move the cylinder `1 in a direction to theleft, as viewed in FIGS. l and 2,

'd so as to move the wall 11 away from the piston 9 and to advance the portion 22a of the actuating means for the valve 8 into abutment with the stop 12 in order to open the valve. FIG. l shows the valve 8 in open position; thus, the port 2t) communicates with the compartment 19 and fluid is free to escape from this compartment in response to movement of the wall 11 in a direction toward the piston 9 to reduce the volume of ythe compartment.

The spraying apparatus of FIGS. 1 to 3 operates in the following manner:

When the nipples 5, 6 admit pressure fiuid into the internal space 2n, the uid penetrates through the apertures 7 and fills the internal chamber 21 by simultaneously escaping through the nozzles 4 so that jets of discharged tiuid impinge against a filter or sieve which is assumed to be located beneath the movable cylinder 1, as viewed in FlGS. 1 and 2. The valve 8 is open; therefore, liuid flowing through the passage 10 and filling the compartment 19 escapes through the port 2t) while the cylinder 1 moves in a direction to the right to advance its wall 11 toward the piston 9. Such axial movement of the cylinder 1 is due to pressure 'of fluid in the chamber 21 which acts against the right-hand end face of the piston 9 and which tends to increase the volume of the chamber' 21.

As soon as the wall 11 moves into close proximity ot the piston 9, the latter engages the end portion 22 of the valve member and closes the valve 8 whereby the pressure 'of fluid in the compartment 19 rises and the fiuid acts upon the left-hand end face of the fixed piston 9 to move the cylinder 1 in a direction to the left, as viewed in FGS. l and 2, and to increase the volume of the compartment 19. The end portion 22a then strikes against the stop 12 and opens the valve 3 whereby the pressure of fluid in the compartment 19 drops because such fluid is free to escape through the port 2t?. Fluid entrapped in the chamber 21 then acts against the right-hand end face of the piston 9 and causes the cylinder 1 to reverse the direction of its movement. In other words, the fluid which is being admitted into the chamber 21 and which flows into the compartment 19 automatically compels the cylinder 1 to reciprocate back and forth between the frame members 3 and to perform strokes whose length is determined by the distance between the piston 9 and the stop 12. At the same time, jets of uid discharged through the apertures 7 `sweep across the nozzles 4 and insure that the nozzles are cleaned in a fully automatic way in response to reciprocation'of the movable cylinder.

The position of the passage 1t) is selected in such a manner that the compartment 19 may receive fluid from the space 2a even if the end portion 22 abuts against the left-hand end face of the piston 9 to close the valve S, i.e., this passage 10 provides a permanent communication between the chamber 21 and compartment 19. Of course, when the valve it is closed, the pressure of fluid entrapped in the compartment 19 automatically holds the end portion 22 in sealing position, and such sealing position remains unchanged until the other end portion 22a strikes against the stop 12.

The spraying apparatus of FIGS. 4 and 5 comprises a fixed cylinder 2 which is mounted in the same manner as described in connection with FIGS. l and 2 and which serves to support a movable cylinder 1', the latter having an internal sleeve 23 which is spaced from its outer mantle and which is slidable about the differential piston or wall 9 of the fixed cylinder. This sleeve is screwed with its left-hand end into a'radial wall 2.4 of the movable cylinder 1', and the wall 24 is provided with `a regulating valve 8 whose construction is the same as that of the valve shown in FIG. 1. Furthermore, the wall 24 defines a composite passage 26, 27 which is controlled by the tip of an adjustable throttle valve here shown as a needle valve 28, and this passage connects the compartment 19 with the space 2a and hence with the internal chamber 21 of the movable cylinder. More particularly, the passage 26,

27 connects the compartment 19' with an annular space which forms part of the chamber 2l and which extends between the internal surface of the mantle of the cylinder 1' and the external surface of the sleeve Z3.

Since the head of the valve 28 extends beyond the exposed end face of the wall 24, the stop 12 comprises an adjustable projection 29 which strikes against the portion 22a of the actuating means for the valve 8 when the compartment 19 is sealed by this valve and when the cylinder 1 moves in a direction to the left, as viewed in FIG. 4. In this embodiment of my invention, the flange 12 may be permanently fixed to the mantle of the fixed cylinder 2 because the projection 29 is provided with a threaded stem which enables it to change its distance from the fixed piston 9 and to thereby adjust the stroke of the movable cylinder. Otherwise, the construction of this apparatus is the same as that of the apparatus which is shown in FIGS. l to 3.

FIG. 4 shows the valve 3 in open position so that pressure fluid admitted through the nipples 5, 6 and filling the internal space 2a flows through the apertures 7 and is discharged through the nozzles 4 by simultaneously filling the chamber 21 and the space 25 to exert a pressure upon the right-hand end face of the differential piston 9 and to move the cylinder 1 in a direction to the right, as viewed in FIG. 4, whereby the fluid contained in the compartment 19' is forced to escape through the port 20. Thus, only small quantities of fluid can flow from the space 25 into the compartment 19 as long as the valve 8 is open. When the other portion 22 of the actuating means strikes against the left-hand end face of the fixed piston 9, the valve S closes and the pressure of fluid in the compartment 19 rises to force the cylinder to move in a direction to the left, as viewed in FIG. 4, whereby the portion 22a moves into abutment with the projection 29 and opens the valve 8. The operation is then repeated in the just described sequence because, as soon as the valve 8 opens, fluid is free to escape through the port 20 and the cylinder 1 is compelled to move in a direction to the right in order to reduce the volume of the compartment i9 and to move the wall 24 toward the fixed piston 9.

Though the holding means 17, 18 is not shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, this spraying apparatus also comprises such holding means to prevent angular displacements of the movable cylinder l' and to insure that the jets of fluid discharged through the apertures 7 will sweep over and will clean the nozzles 4 when the cylinder l is caused to reciprocate back and forth between the frame members 3.

The valve 28 may adjust the rate at which the fluid can flow from the composite passage Z6, 27 into the compartment 19 to thereby regulate the speed at which the cylinder 1 will move its wall 24 toward the piston 9.

It will be readily understood that one of the nipples 5, 6 may be omitted or that such nipples may be replaced by a flexible supply conduit which admits pressure fluid directly into the chamber 21. However, the arrangement of FIGS. 4 and 5 is often preferred because the fluid flowing through the apertures 7 may serve to clean the nozzles 4 when the apparatus is in actual use so that the danger of clogging the nozzle is eliminated in a very simple manner.

The spraying apparatus of FIGS. 6 and 7 is especially suited for use in connection with machines wherein the movable cylinder must be of considerable length. This apparatus comprises a composite fixed cylinder 2 which serves as a support for a composite movable cylinder 1 and which comprises three interconnected sections including a central section 2A, a first end second 2B which is connected with the left-hand end portion of the section ZA by a threaded distributor or header 32, and a second end section 2C whose end wall (see FIG. 7) is rigid with the right-hand end portion of the central section 2A. The movable cylinder l comprises a left-hand section 1A whose left-hand end carries a radial wall 4l, a right-hand section 1B whose right-hand end carries a closure ISA and which is threadedly4 connected with the section 1A, and a smaller-diameter sleeve 23A of comparatively short length which is fixed to the wall 41 and which denes with the section lA an annular space 39 forming part of the internal chamber 21 in the movable cylinder l". The sleeve 23A is slidable about a radial wall 3l of the fixed cylinder 2", and this wall again constitutes a differential piston whose larger end face is located in an internal compartment 4t) of variable volume which is defined by the sleeve 23A and by the end section 2B and which extends between the piston 31 and the Wall 4l. The end sections 2B, 2C are mounted in two spaced frame members 3 and are respectively provided with nipples, 5, 6 through which a pressure fluid is admitted into the internal space 2a" of the fixed cylinder 2". The section 2B carries an adjustable stop 48 which is held in a selected position of adjustment by a radial screw 48a. This stop cooperates with the piston 31 to determine the stroke of the movable cylinder il" by causing the actuating means 42a, 42b for the regulating valve 42 to move this valve to open or closed position. The construction of the valve 42 will be described in greater detail in connection with FIGS. 8 and 9.

The section lA of the movable cylinder carries an annular member 34 which is slidable along the external surface of a comparatively short guide sleeve 33 forming part of the fixed cylinder 2 and connected to the header 32 (i.e., to the piston 3i) so as to extend into the chamber 2l". The annular member 34 is connected with one end of an elongated fluid distributing pipe 35 which is received in the chamber 2li and which admits pressure fluid to all such nozzles 4 that are located to the right of the annular member 34, as viewed in FIG. 6. An irnportant advantage of such construction is that the chamber 2l need not be completely filled with fluid so that the weight of the spraying apparatus is reduced to a mini` mum which is of considerable importance when the cylinders 1, 2" are very long and when the end sections 2B, 2C and the frame members 3 are called upon to carry a substantial Weight. Excessive stressing of the fixed cylinder 2 could cause undesirable bending or flexing of its sections and eventual destruction of the fixed cylinder. The just described construction is equally useful in other types of spraying apparatus wherein the fluid discharging cylinder is stationary and wherein the arrangement may be such that the frame members move the entire spraying apparatus back and forth to effect reciprocation of the jets discharged through the nozzles 4. It will be noted that the necks of all such nozzles which are located to the right of the annular member 34 extend through the section 1B and are sealingly secured to the pipe 35 so that the pipe discharges fluid directly into such nozzles without permitting the fluid to enter the remainder of the chamber 21". The nozzles 4 to the left of the annular member 34 are of simpler construction and receive fluid directly from that annular zone 33 of the chamber 21" which is located at the left-hand side of the annular member 34 and which communicates with radial passages 37 provided in the header 32 and leading to the space 2a. It will be noted that the zone 3S communicates with the annular space 39 and with the interior of the pipe 35 because the left-hand end of this pipe is open and communicates with an axially parallel duct 34a in the annular member 34.

In the position of FIG. 6, the valve 42 is closed which means that the space 39 of the chamber 21 communicates with the compartment 4t) and that the valve prevents escape of fluid from this compartment to insure that fluid acting upon the left-hand end face of the fixed piston 31 causes the cylinder 1" to move in a direction to the left and to advance the end portion 42b into abutment with the stop 48 in order to close the valve. The valve now provides a communicating passage between the compartment 40 and the atmosphere whereby the fluid con tained in the zone 38 acts against the right-hand end arf/snee j face of the piston 31 and causes the Wall 41 to move toward the piston until the end portion 42a strikes against the piston to open the valve.

As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the valve 42 is a threeway valve which may permit fluid contained in the compartment 49 to escape through an axial bore 49 or the end portion 42a, through a radial bore 49a which communicates with the bore 49, through an annular space 50 defined by the wall 41 and by the boss` 42C of theI valve member of the valve 42, and through a discharge Y port 51 provided in the wall 41. FIG. 9 shows the valve On the other hand, when the end portion 42a strikes; b

against the piston 31, the bore 49a registers with the bore: 49h (see FIG. 6) and the iuid is free to flow from thel space39 into the compartment 4t). At the same time.. the plug 42d seals 4the bore 49a from the space 50 so that fluid entering the compartment 40 cannot escape through; b,

the port 51. An important advantage of the valve 42E is that it prevents waste of fluid at the time the port 51 communicates with the compartment 40. Thus, this compartment communicates with the space 39 only when itv is sealed from the atmosphere so that only such quan- "f",

tities of fluid whose total volume corresponds to the useful volume of the compartment 46 are Wasted at the time the: cylinder 1 performs a stroke in a direction to move its: wall 41'toward the piston 31. In the apparatus of FIGS..

i 1 and 4, uid is free to ilow from the space 2a into the so compartment 19 or 19 regardless of Whether the valve 8 is open or closed.

Helical springs 43 which are provided on and Whichnormally extend beyond the end portions 42a, 42h serve as a cushioning means to slow down the cylinder 1 before the end portions 42a, 42h respectively strike against the piston 31 and stop 48.

In order to insure that the boss 42e is arrested in requisite positions to move the bore 49a into registry with the bore 49h or with the-space Si), the valve 42 preferably comprises spring biased detent means shown -in FIG. 8 as a pair of spherical elements 44 which are -biased by springs 44a and which'enter shallow peripheral recesses of the boss 42C when the latter assumes the one or the other of its end positions. The bias of the springs `44a may be adjusted by threaded bolts 45 which mate d wit-hthreads in tapped bores 45a of the Wall 41. The detent means 44 release the boss 42C when the pressure exerted by the stop 48 or by the piston 31 overcomes the bias of the springs 44a, and the valve member then rapidly changes its axial position to reverse the cylinder 1".

The cylinder 1 may be stilened by internal ribs 52 shown in FIGS. 6 and 7.

FIGS. 11 and 12 illustrate a modified three-way regulating valve 142 which is mounted in a slightly diierent radial wall 141 of the movable cylinder section 1A. This valve receives fluid through a tubular filter 46, the latter being accessible upon removal of a threaded cap 46a. The manner in which the fluid. may dow from the annular -space 39 through the lilter 46 and through the hollow Y described spraying apparatus. In FIG. 6, the valve 42 is closed, i.e., the compartment 40 is sealed from the atmosphere but is free to communicate with the annular space 39. Therefore, the fluid penetrating into the compertinent 40 acts upon the comparatively large left-hand end face of thediiierential piston 31 and causes the cylin- 'der 1 to move in a directon to the left, as viewed in FIG. 6, to increase the volume ofthe compartment`49 and to move the end portion 42h `into abutment with the :stop 48 whereby the valve 42 opens in a fully automatic Way and permits escape of pressure uid through the port 51-so that the fluid acting Von the right-hand end face of the piston 31 now causes the cylinder 1" to move in a direction to the right and to advance the end por- :tion 42a into abutment with the left-hand end face of the piston 31. The valve 42 then reassumes theposi- 'tion of FIG. 6 and the cycle is repeated as long as `the Anipples 5, 6 admit pressure fluid into the space'Za". .Such pressure iiuid lls the'space Za", the annular zone V38 of the chamber 21, the interior ofthe pipe 35, and is discharged in the form or strong jets through the nozzles 4 and 4". The jetssweep back and forth along Vthe exposed side of a roller, lfilter or sieve which is as- ;sumed to be located at a level belowthe cylinder 1", as viewed in FIG. 6 or 7.

FIG. 13 illustrates a further spraying apparatus which comprises a movable cylinder 53 having a left-hand end portion which extends through the open end of and into sa fixed cylinder 60. This fixed cylinder is supported in a first frame member 55 and slidably receives theA lefthand radial wall S8 of the movable cylinder 55, this wall constituting the differential piston of the spraying apparatus. The regulating valve 63 is provided in the end 'wall dita of the iixed cylinder 6l? and is closed when it is engaged by the piston S8. As shown, the apparatus comprises an actuating means for the valve 63 including an end portion or head 64u which Vis adapted to close 'the valve and to prevent escape of fluid from the compartment 63a when it is engaged by the piston 58. The actuating means further comprises a second end portion '64b which is mounted at the inner end of a rod 64 extending through the wall a and through the piston 58 into the internal chamber 53a of the movable cylinder :53. The end portion 64b is engaged by the right-hand end face of the piston 58 when the valve 63 is closed and when the fluid passing from the chamber 53a into the compartment 63a through a passage 62 provided in the piston 58 acts against the left-hand end face of this piston to move the cylinder 53 in a direction to the right, .as viewed in FIG. 13.

The right-hand end portion of the cylinder 53 is slidable about a xed fluid supplying pipe S4 which is mounted in a second frame member 5S and which comprises a nipple 56 through which a pressure fluid is admitted directly into the internal chamber 53a to escape through a series of nozzles and to orrn jets which are indicated by arrows 53. The maximal stroke of the cylinder 53 is indicated by a reference numeral 57.

It will be noted that, in contrast to the construction of previously described spraying apparatus, the apparatus of FIG. 13 is arranged in such a way that it receives uid through a single ni1g ple 56 and that such liuid enters directly into the chamber 53a of the movable cylinder. Furthermore, the regulating valve 63 is mounted in the lixed end wall 60a of the stationary cylinder 60, and the piston 58 not only replaces the piston 9 or 31V but also the stop 12 or 48.

In FIG. 14, the end wall 59 of the movable cylinder 53 is provided with a valve 70 which alternately opens or closes a port for escape of pressure uid from a compartment '71 dened by the cylinder 53 and by a fixed cylinder 51 and extending between the wall`59 andthe end wall '72 of the cylinder 61. The valve '70 opens when its right-hand end portion strikes against a fixed stop which extends inwardly from the open end of the lixed cylinderdl, and this valves closes when its lefthand end portion strikes against the Wall 72. The Wall S9 constitutes a differential piston and is formed with a passage 73 which provides a path for the iiow of pres- 9 hsure fluid from the chamber 53a into the compartment 71. Otherwise, the construction of this spraying apparatus is identical with that of the apparatus shown in FIG. 13.

When the nipple 56 admits pressure fluid into the chamber 53a and the valve 70 is open, the fluid escapes from the compartment '71 and the cylinder 53 automatically moves in a direction to the left, as viewed in FIG. 14, because the tluid acts upon the left-hand end face of the piston 59. When the wall 72 closes the valve 70, the fluid flowing through the passage 73 acts upon the left-hand end face of the piston 59 and compels the cylinder 53 to perform a stroke in a direction to the right until the valve 70 strikes against the stop 65 and reverses the movable cylinder.

FIG. 14 shows the valve 'itl in open position so that the piston 59 still moves toward the stop 65.

The valves 63 and 70 correspond substantially to the valve 8 of FIG. 1. However, it will be readily understood that the valves 63 or 70 may be replaced by a three-way valve of the type shown in FIGS. 8, 9 or 11, 12 without in any way departing from the scope of my invention. In such instances, the passage 62 or 73 may be sealed because the three-way valve by itself provides a passage between the internal chamber 53a and the compartment 63u or 71 when the compartment is sealed from the atmosphere. 1f the valve 63 of FIG. 13 is replaced by a three-way valve, the rod 64 is preferably hollow and defines a passage through which the fluid may flow from the chamber 53a to the compartment 63a. Such modification is so obvious that it will be readily comprehended without necessitating additional illustrations.

Without further analysis, the foregoing will so fully reveal the gist of the present invention that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily adapt it for various applications without omitting features that, from the standpoint of prior art, fairly constitute essential characteristics of the generic and specific aspects of this invention and, therefore, such adaptations should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalence of the following claims.

What is claimed as new and desired to be secured by Letters Patent is:

1. A spraying apparatus, comprising a pair of cylinders including a xed cylinder and a second cylinder, said second cylinder defining a fluid receiving chamber and having at least one fluid discharging orifice, one of said cylinders being telescoped into the other thereof and each cylinder having a radial Wall, said cylinders together defining a compartment of variable volume which extends between said walls and which communicates with said chamber; a normally open valve provided in one of said walls to permit escape of fluid from said compartment; and actuating means for said valve arranged to be engaged by the other wall to close the valve when said walls are at minimal distance from each other, the wall of said one cylinder constituting a differential piston which compels the second cylinder to move its wall away from the wall of the yfixed cylinder in response to admission of pressure fluid into said compartment when the valve is closed whereas, when the valve is open, fluid admitted into said chamber and acting upon said piston cornpels the second cylinder to move its wall toward the wall of said fixed cylinder and to close said valve.

2. A spraying apparatus, comprising a first cylinder `including an external annular wall located intermediate the ends thereof, said cylinder having radial aperture means at one side of said wall; a second cylinder surrounding said -rst cylinder and having an inwardly extending annular wall forming a closure and sealingly engaging said first cylinder at the other side of said external wall, said walls defining between themselves a compartmeut of variable volume and said cylinders defining between themselves a fluid receiving chamber which cornmunicates with said compartment and said second cylinder having fluid discharging orifice means at said one side of said external wall, said external wall constituting a differential piston having an end face of larger area in said compartment and an end face of smaller area in said chamber; a normally open valve provided in said closure to permit escape of fluid from said compartment, said valve comprising actuating means arranged to be engaged by said piston to close the valve when said walls are at a minimal distance from each other; a stop outwardly adjacent to said closure and located in the path of said actuting means to open said valve when said walls are at a maximal distance from each other; and means 4for admitting pressure fluid into said first cylinder so that the fluid lflows through said aperture means and into said chamber to be discharged through said orifice means and to simultaneously act against said piston whereby said closure moves toward said piston when the valve is open, said closure moving away from the piston when the valve is closed.

3. A spraying apparatus, comprising a pair of cylinders including a fixed cylinder and a movable cylinder, said movable cylinder defining a fluid receiving chamber and having at least one fluid discharging orifice, said fixed cylinder being telescoped into said movable cylinder and each cylinder having a radial wall, said cylinders together defining a compartment of variable volume which extends between said walls and which communicates with said chamber; a normally open valve provided in the wall of said movable cylinder to permit escape of fluid from said compartment; actuating means for said valve arranged to be engaged by the wall of said fixed cylinder to close the valve when said walls are at a minimal distance from each other, the wall of said fixed cylinder compelling the movable cylinder to move its wall away from the wall of said fixed cylinder in response to admission of pressure fluid into said compartment when the valve is closed whereas, when the valve is open, Afluid admitted into said chamber and acting upon the wall of said fixed cylinder compels the movable cylinder to move its wall toward the wall of said fixed cylinder and to expel iluid from said compartment; and a stop located in the path of said actuating means to open the valve when said walls are at a maximal distance from each other.

4. A spraying apparatus as set forth in claim 3, wherein said stop is adjustably mounted on said fixed cylinder.

5. A spraying apparatus, comprising a pair of cylinders and including a fixed cylinder and a movable cylinder, said movable cylinder defining a fluid receiving chamber and having at least one fluid discharging orifice, said fixed cylinder being telescoped into said movable cylinder and each cylinder having a radial wall, said cylinders together defining a compartment of variable volume which extends between said Walls and which communicates with said chamber; a normally open valve provided in the wall of said movable cylinder to permit escape of fluid from said compartment; actuating means for said valve arranged to be engaged by the wall of said fixed cylinder to close the valve when said walls are at a minimal distance from each other, the wall of said fixed cylinder constituting a differential piston having an end face of larger area in said compartment and an end face of smaller area in said chamber so that fluid acting upon said piston in said compartment compels the movable cylinder to move its wall away from the piston when said valve is closed whereas, when the valve is open, fluid acting on said piston in said chamber compels the movable cylinder to move its wall toward the piston and to expel fluid from said compartment; and a stop located in the path of said actuating means to open the valve when said walls are at a maximal distance from each other.

6. A spraying apparatus, comprising a frame including two spaced frame members; a pair of elongated cylinders including a fixed cylinder having a first and a second end portion respectively mounted in the first and second lframe members, and a second cylinder defining a fluid receiving chamber and having at least one radial tiuid discharging orifice, one of said cylinders being telescoped into the other thereof and each cylinder having a radial wall, said cylinders together defining a compartment of variable volume which extends between said walls and which communicates with said chamber; a normally open valve provided in one of said walls to permit escape of fiuid from said compartment; and actuating means for said valve arranged to be engaged by other wall to close the valve when said walls are at a minimal distance from each other, the wall of said one cylinder consituting a differential piston which compels the second cylinder to move its wall away from the wall of the fixed cylinder in response to admission of pressure fluid into said compartment when the valve is closed whereas, when the valve is open, fiuid admitted into said chamber and acting upon said piston compels the second cylinder to move its wall toward the wall of said fixed cylinder and to close said valve.

7. A spraying apparatus as set forth in claim 6, wherein said fixed cylinder defines an internal space which communicates with said chamber, and further comprising fiuid admitting means connected with the end portions of said fixed cylinder.

8. A spraying apparatus, comprising a pair of cylinders including a fixed cylinder and a movable cylinder, said movable cylinder defining a liuid receiving chamber and having at least one radial fiuid discharging orifice, said fixed cylinder being telescoped into said movable cylinder and each cylinder having a radial wall, said movable cylinder comprising an annular sleeve fixed to and extending inwardly from said wall thereof and the wall of said fixed cylinder being slidable in said sleeve, said sleeve and said fixed cylinder together defining a compartment of variable volume which extends between said walls and which communicates with said chamber; a normally open valve provided in the wall of said movable cylinder t0 permit escape of fluid from said compartment; actuating means for said valve arranged to be engaged by the wall of said fixed cylinder to close the valve when said Walls are at a minimal distance from each other, the wall of said fixed cylinder constituting a differential piston which compels the movable cylinder to move its wall away from the piston in response to admission of pressure fiuid into said compartment when the valve is closed whereas, when the valve is open, fluid admitted into said chamber and acting upon said piston compels the movable cylinder to move its wall toward s said piston and Ito expel fluid from said compartment; and a stop located in the path of said actuating means to open the valve when said Walls are at a maximal distance from each other.

9. A spraying apparatus as set forth in claim 8, wherein said movable cylinder comprises an outer mantle which defines with said sleeve an annular space in communication with said chamber, the wall of said movable cylinder having a passage -through which the iiuid flows from said space into said compartment.

l0. A spraying apparatus as set forth in claim 9, further comprising adjustable valve means for regulating the flow of duid through said passage.

ll. A spraying apparatus, comprising a first cylinder including an external annular wall located intermediate the'ends thereof, said cylinder having radial aperture means at one side of said wall, an internal space comlmunicating with said aperture means, and at least one radial passage immediately adjacent to and located at the other side of said wall; a second cylinder surrounding said first cylinder and having an inwardly extending annular wall forming a closure and sealingly engaging said first cylinder at the other side of Said external wall, said passage being located between said walls and Said walls defining between themselves a compartment of variable Lit) volume which communicates with said space through said passage, said cylinders defining between themselves a tiuid receiving chamber which communicates with said compartment via said aperture means, said space andsaid passage and said second cylinder having fiuid discharging orifice means at said one side of said external wall, said external wall constituting a differential piston having an end face of larger area in'said compartment and an end face of smaller area in said chamber; a normally open valve provided in said closureto perimt escape of fluid from said compartment, said valve comprising actuating means arranged to be engaged by said piston to close the valve when said walls are at a minimal distance from each other; a stop outwardly adjacent tosaid closure and located in the path of said actuating means to open said valve when said walls areat a maximal distance from each other; and means for admitting pressure fluidV into said space so that the fluid flows through said aperture means and into said chamber to be discharged through said orifice means and to simultaneously act against said piston whereby said closure moves toward. said piston when tie valve is open, said closure moving away from the piston in response to fluid pressure actingupon the piston in said compartment when the valve is closed.

12. A spraying apparatus, comprising a pair of cylinders including a fixed cylinder and a second cylinder, said second cylinder defining a iiuid receiving chamber and having at least one fluid discharging orifice, one of said cylinders being telescoped into the other thereof and each cylinder having a radial wall, said cylinders together defining a compartment of variable volume which extends between said walls, one of said walls having a passage connecting said chamber with said compartment and a port connecting said passage with the atmosphere; a threeway valve provided in said one wall to regulate the iiow of fluid from said chamber to said compartment and from said compartment to the atmosphere, said valve being movable between a first position in which the iiiud may flow from said compartment and the compartment is sealed from said chamber and a second position in which the compartment may receive iiuid from said chamber and is sealed from the atmosphere; actuating means for moving the Valve between said first and second positions, said actuating means being arranged to be engaged by the other wall to move the valve to said second position when said walls are at a minimal distance from each other, the Wall of said one cylinder constituting a difierential piston which compels the second cylinder to move its wall away from the wall of the fixed cylinder in response to admission of pressure fluid in-to said compartment when the valve assumes said second position whereas, when the valve assumes said first position, fluid admitted into said chamber and acting upon said piston compels the second cylinder to move its wall toward the wall of said fixed cylinder and to move the valve to said second position; and a stop arranged to engage said actuating means and to move the valve to said first position when the piston is at a maximal distance from the wall of the other cylinder.

13. A spraying apparatus as set forth in claim 12, wherein said valve comprises a valve member which is reciprocable in the wall of said second cylinder in the axial direction of said second cylinder, said valve member having end portions disposed at the opposite sides of the Wall of said second cylinder and together constituting said actuating means, one of said end portions cooperating with said piston to move the valve to said second position and the other end portion cooperating with said stop to move the Valve to said first position.

14. A spraying apparatus as set forth in claim 13, wherein said valve member has a bore which communicates with said pe ssage to admit pressure duid into said compartment when the valve is moved to said second position, said bore communicating with said port when the valve is moved to said first position.

altares 15. A spraying apparatus as set forth in claim 13, further comprising resilient cushioning means extending beyond each of said end portions to reduce the speed of said second cylinder upon impact against said piston or said stop.

16. A spraying apparatus as set forth in claim 13, further comprising spring biased detent means for holding said valve member in each position of said valve.

17. A spraying apparatus as set forth in claim 16, wherein said valve member is provided with a pair of spaced peripheral recesses and said detent means cornprises a spherical element which extends into one of said recesses in each position 4ot said valve.

18. An .apparatus as set forth in claim 13, further comprising filter means provided in said passage to collect impurities from fluid fiowing to said valve.

19. A spraying apparatus, comprising a pair of cylinders including a fixed cylinder and a second cylinder, said second cylinder defining a fluid receiving chamber and having at least one fluid discharging orifice, one of said cylinders being telescoped into the other thereof and each cylinder having a radial wall, said cylinders together defining a compartment of variable volume which extends between said walls and which communicates with said chamber; a normally open valve provided in one of said wails to permit escape of liuid from said compartment; actuating means for said valve arranged to be engaged by the other wall to close the valve when said walls are at a minimal distance from each other, the wall of said one cylinder constituting a differential piston which compels the second cylinder to move its Wall away from the wall of the fixed cylinder in response to admission of pressure fiuid into said compartment when the valve is closed whereas, when the valve is open, fluid admitted into said chamber and acting upon said piston compels the second cylinder to move its wall toward the wall of said fixed cylinder and to close said valve; a guide sleeve rigid with said piston and extending into a direction away from the wall of said other cylinder; and an annular member rigid with said other cylinder and slidably surrounding said guide sleeve.

20. A spraying apparatus, comprising a pair of cylinders including a fixed cylinder and a second cylinder, said second cylinder defining a fluid receiving chamber and having a plurality of fluid discharging orifices, one of said cylinders being telescoped into the other thereof and each cylinder having a radial wall, said cylinders together defining a compartment of variable volume which extends between said walls and which communicates with said chamber; a normally open valve provided in one of said walls to permit escape of fluid from said compartment; actuating means for said valve arranged to be engaged by the other wall to close the valve when said walls are at a minimal distance from each other, the wall of said one cylinder constituting a differential piston which compels the second cylinder to move its wall away from the wall of the fixed cylinder in response to admission of pressure fluid into said compartment when the valve is closed whereas, when the valve is open, fluid admitted into said chamber and acting upon said piston compels the second cylinder to move its wall toward the wall of said fixed cylinder and to close said valve; an elongated fluid distributing pipe provided in said charnber between said cylinders and arranged to receive fluid from said chamber; and nozzles received in said orifices and connected with said pipe to discharge jets of fiuid in response to admission of fluid into said chamber.

2l. An apparatus as set forth in claim 20, wherein said one cylinder comprises an end section extending beyond said other cylinder and wherein said other cylinder comprises an annular closure slidable about said end section.

22. A spraying apparatus, comprising a fixed cylinder having an end wall and an open end; a movable cylinder having a first end portion extending into and comprising a differential piston slidably received in said fixed cylinder,

said movable cylinder' defining a liuid receiving chamber and said piston defining with said wall a compartment of variable volume which receives fiuid from said chamber through a passage provided in said piston, said movable cylinder further having a second end portion and a plurality of radial orifices to discharge uid from said chamber; a fixed fiuid supplying pipe sealingly received in the second end portion of said movable cylinder; a normally open valve provided in said wall to permit escape of fluid from said compartment whereby the iiuid admitted to said chamber and acting upon said piston causes the movable cylinder to advance the piston toward said wall; and actuating means for said valve arranged to be engaged by said piston to close the valve when said piston is at a minimal distance from said end wail.

23. An apparatus as set forth in claim 22, wherein said actuating means is arranged to be engaged by said piston and to open said valve when the piston is at a maximal distance from said wall.

24. A spraying apparatus, comprising a fixed cylinder having an end wall and an open end; a movable cylinder having a first end portion extending into and comprising a differential piston slidably received in said fixed cylinder, said movable cylinder defining a fiuid receiving charnber and said piston defining with said wall a compartment of variable volume which receives fiuid from said chamber through a passage provided in said piston, said movable cylinder further having a second end portion and a plurality of radial orifices to discharge fluid from said chamber; a fixed fluid supplying pipe sealingly received in the second end portion of said movable cylinder; a normally open valve provided in said piston to permit escape of fluid from said compartment whereby the fiuid admitted into said chamber and acting upon the piston causes the movable cylinder to advance the piston toward said wall and to expel fiuid from said compartment; and actuating means for said valve arranged to be engaged by said wall to close the valve when the piston is at a minimal distance from said wall.

25. An apparatus as set forth in claim 24, further cornprising fixed stop means for engaging said actuating means to open said valve when said piston is at a maximal distance from said wall.

26. In a spraying apparatus, in combination, a pair of cylinders including a fixed cylinder and a second cylinder, said second cylinder defining a liuid receiving charnber and having at least one iiuid discharging orifice, one of said cylinders being telescoped into the other thereof and each cylinder having a radial wall, said cylinders together defining a compartment of variable volume which extends between said walls and which communicates with said chamber; a normally open valve provided in one of said walls to permit escape of fluid from said compartment; and actuating means for said valve arranged to be engaged by the other wall to close the valve when said walls are at a minimal distance from each other.

27. A spraying apparatus, comprising a pair of cylinders including a fixed cylinder having a row of radial apertures and a movable cylinder defining a fluid receiving chamber and having a row of fluid discharging orifices aligned with said first mentioned row, said fixed cylinder being telescoped into said movable cylinder and each cylinder having a radial wall, said cylinders together efining a compartment of variable volume which extends between said walls and which communicate with said chamber; a normally open valve provided in the wall of said movable cylinder to permit escape or" fluid from said compartment; actuating means for said valve arranged to be engaged by the wall of said fixed cylinder to close the valve when said walls are at a minimal distance from each other, the wall of said fixed cylinder compelling the movable cylinder to move its wall away from the wall of said fixed cylinder in response to admission of pressure fiuid into said compartment when the valve is closed whereas, when the valve is open, fluid admitted into said chamber and acting upon the wall of lab' said iixed cylinder compels the movable cylinder to move its wall toward the wall of said iixed cylinder and to expel fluid from said compartment; a stop located in the path of said actuating means to open the valve when said walls are at a maximal distance from each other; and means for admitting pressure iiuid into said ixed cylinder so that fluid passing through said passages sweeps over and cleans said orices.

2S. A spraying apparatus as set forth in claim 27, further comprising means for holding said movable cylinder against angular displacements with respect to said fixed cylinder.

29. In a spraying apparatus, in combination, an inner cylinder and a tubular outer cylinder surrounding7 said inner cylinder at least along part of the length thereof and provided in said surrounding part with spray orifice means, said cylinders being movable relative to each other in axial direction thereof and defining between themselves an annular compartment the volume of which varies during relative movement of said cylinders between a predetermined minimum volume attained after said cylinders are moved towards each other and a predetermined maximum volume attained after said cylinders are moved away from each other; means for admitting pressure fluid into said annular compartment at a rate exceeding the rate at which said pressure iluid is adapted to be discharged through said spray orice means so that during admission of such pressure iiuid said cylinders move away from each other until said annular compartment has raves rra attained said predetermined maximum volume thereof; means for moving said cylinders towards each other until said annular compartment has :attained said predetermined minimum volume thereof; means for automatically starting operation of said moving means when, during; movement `ot said cylinders away from each other, said annular compartment has attained said predetermined rnaximum volume thereof and for automatically terminating operation of said moving means when, during movement of said cylinders towards each other, said annular compartment has attained said minimum volume thereof, whereby said cylinders are moved in a direction away from each other by the pressure fluid admitted into said annular compartment while part of said pressure fluid is discharged through said spray l5 orifice meansand are automatically moved towards each other by said moving means.

30. In a spraying apparatus of the type defined in claim `29, said moving means 1being hydraulic moving means actuated by the pressure fluid admitted to said annular compartment.

References Cited by the Examiner UNTED STATES PATENTS 2,300,909 11742 Broughton 23a-239 997,986 8/61 De Claire Sil- 47 3,048,151 8/62 Kudlaty 91-47 EVERETT W. KRBY, Primary Examiner. 

29. IN A SPRAYING APPARATUS, IN COMBINATION, AN INNER CYLINDER AND A TUBULAR OUTER CYLINDER SURROUNDING SAID INNER CYLINDER AT LEAST ALONG A PART OF THE LENGTH THEREOF AND PROVIDED IN SAID SURROUNDING PART WITH SPRAY ORIFICE MEANS, SAID CYLINDERS BEING MOVABLE RELATIVE TO EACH OTHER IN AXIAL DIRECTION THEREOF AND DEFINING BETWEEN THEMSELVES AN ANNULAR COMPARTMENT THE VOLUME OF WHICH VARIES DURING RELATIVE MOVEMENT OF SAID CYLINDERS BETWEEN A PREDETERMINED MINIMUM VOLUME ATTAINED AFTER SAID CYLINDERS ARE MOVED TOWARDS EACH OTHER AND A PREDETERMINED MAXIMUM VOLUME ATTAINED AFTER SAID CYLINDERS ARE MOVED AWAY FROM EACH OTHER; MEANS FOR ADMITTING PRESSURE FLUID INTO SAID ANNULAR COMPARTMENT AT A RATE EXCEEDING THE RATE AT WHICH SAID PRESSURE FLUID IS ADAPTED TO BE DISCHARGED THROUGH SAID SPRAY ORIFICE MEANS SO THAT DURING ADMISSION OF SUCH PRESSURE FLUID SAID CYLINDERS MOVE AWAY FROM EACH OTHER UNTIL SAID ANNULAR COMPARTMENT HAS ATTAINED SAID PREDETERMINED MAXIMUM VOLUME THEREOF; MEANS FOR MOVING SAID CYLINDERS TOWARDS EACH OTHER UNTIL SAID ANNULAR COMPARTMENT HAS ATTAINED SAID PREDETERMINED MINIMUM VOLUME THEREOF; MEANS FOR AUTOMATICALLY STARTING OPERATION OF SAID MOVING MEANS WHEN, DURING MOVEMENT OF SAID CYLINDERS AWAY FROM EACH OTHER, SAID ANNULAR COMPARTMENT HAS ATTAINED SAID PREDETERMINED MAXIMUM VOLUME THEREOF AND FOR AUTOMATICALLY TERMINATING OPERATION OF SAID MOVING MEANS WHEN, DURING MOVEMENT OF SAID CYLINDERS TOWARDS EACH OTHER, SAID ANNULAR COMPARTMENT HAS ATTAINED SAID MINIMUM VOLUME THEREOF, WHEREBY SAID CYLINDERS ARE MOVED IN A DIRECTION AWAY FROM EACH OTHER BY THE PRESSURE FLUID ADMITTED INTO SAID ANNULAR COMPARTMENT WHILE PART OF SAID PRESSURE FLUID IS DISCHARGED THROUGH SAID SPRAY ORIFICE MEANS AND ARE AUTOMATICALLY MOVED TOWARDS EACH OTHER BY SAID MOVING MEANS. 